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March 2007 Lyceum

The theme of RockyMountain National Park's 2007 Lyceum is Threatened and Endangered Species: Going … Going … Saved! Speakers will present a variety of topics on the role of the Endangered Species Act, investigating species such as plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals struggling to survive, and looking at how citizens can help through legislative efforts and actions in their own neighborhoods. The Lyceum schedule runs through May 5, 2007. These Saturday evening programs will be held in the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Programs are free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. - Endangered Species and Everyday People

The success of species management hinges on how everyday people interact with wildlife – particularly endangered species. Patt Dorsey, the Area Wildlife Manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in Durango, has been involved with several poached lynx, including the most recent two incidents in Silverton and Hermosa Creek. Her presentation will explore the complex world of poaching and wildlife law enforcement, recreation and land use decisions.

The black-footed ferret is a highly successful and widely distributed small carnivore that was once found throughout the West. It was listed in the earliest Endangered Species Act legislation and was reduced to only 18 individual animals by 1987. Mike Lockhart, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Black-footed Ferret Recovery Coordinator), will share the history of black-footed ferrets, a compelling story of near extinction, rediscovery, species salvation, and the many biological, political, and socio-economic hurdles that continue to affect the recovery of this critically endangered species.

Saturday, March 17, 7:00 p.m. - Recovering Aquatic Species in Decline

Threatened and endangered aquatic species face their own survival challenges, although often not as publicized as the plights of warm, furry mammals. Dave Schnoor, manager of the John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility for the Division of Wildlife in Alamosa will address factors leading to the near demise of many aquatic animals, the extensive efforts by many partners to develop effective captive breeding and reintroduction capabilities, and the major obstacles to achieving recovery objectives today.

Saturday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. - The Life and Times of Wildlife Conservation in the United States

Wildlife conservation, as a social concern, has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th century. Not until the mid-1900’s, however, did it enter the scientific community as the science of wildlife biology, which initially focused on the management of game species. Preventing extinctions of plants and non-hunted, non-fished animals became part of the social consciousness and the scientific disciplines only in the last third of the 20th century. Gary Miller joins us as a wildlife biologist experienced in natural resource research, management and administration, working in the past for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. He will provide a glimpse into the “backstory” of the evolution of wildlife conservation both as a science and public policy. By understanding the successes, failures, and milestones that have marked this journey, we may improve our capacity to meet the challenges of the future.

The shortgrass prairie is one of the most diverse landscapes in Colorado and is home to a number of species of concern. The ownership demographics are unique due to the fact that over 85 percent of the property is in private ownership, most of which is in agricultural production. Ken Morgan, the Private Lands Habitat Specialist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), will present a description of the species of concern that are found in the prairie as well as an overview of how the CDOW is working with private landowners to ensure the long-term conservation of prairie species.

Financial support for the lyceum series is provided by the park’s nonprofit partner, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call (970) 586-1206.